Hydroxyl Gas Generation System for Enhancing the Performance of a Combustion Engine

ABSTRACT

Described is a hydroxyl gas generation system for generating a hydroxyl gas by way of electrolysis, for limiting the corrosion of electrodes used in the electrolysis, and for making the hydroxyl gas available to be drawn into the air intake of a combustion engine. The hydroxyl gas generation system generates an electrolytic reaction by passing an electrical current between the electrodes by way of an electrolytic solution, the electrolytic reaction generating the hydroxyl gas. To limit the corrosion of the electrodes, the polarity of the voltage applied to the electrodes is periodically alternated. Additionally, the electrodes are constructed of or plated with platinum, a material that is substantially impermeable to the electrolytic solution.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention pertains to a system for generating a hydroxyl gas andmaking the hydroxyl gas available to a combustion engine. Moreparticularly, this invention pertains to a system for generating anelectrolytic reaction and for limiting corrosion of the electricalcomponents used therefore.

2. Description of the Related Art

It is a common desire to have a combustion engine that performsoptimally and burns less fuel. Such an engine reduces air pollution andincreases the gas mileage of an employing vehicle. It has been shownthat adding hydrogen to the air intake of a combustion engine enhancesthe flame velocity, permitting the engine to operate with a leanerair-to-gasoline mixture than otherwise possible. Consequently,conventional hydrogen injecting systems have been developed to generatehydrogen and to inject the hydrogen into a combustion engine by way ofthe air intake of the engine. The conventional systems generate thehydrogen by generating an electrolytic reaction. More specifically, theconventional hydrogen injecting systems include electrodes, namely ananode and a cathode, disposed within an alkali solution such thatelectric current passes from the anode, through the solution, and to thecathode, causing a reduction reaction that generates a hydrogen gas. Thegenerated hydrogen is routed to the air intake of the combustion enginesuch that the engine operates more efficiently as discussed above.

The conventional hydrogen injecting systems are limited in that theelectrolytic reaction causes the electrodes to have a high corrosionrate. More specifically, during electrolysis, substantially more oxygenaccumulates at the anode than at the cathode to the extent that severeoxidation occurs at the anode with respect to the cathode. Because ofthe anode's high rate of corrosion, the electrodes must be regularlyreplaced, or the desired functionality of the hydrogen injecting systemis compromised. Regularly replacing the electrodes is expensive and isdisruptive and inconvenient for a user of the conventional hydrogeninjecting system. Consequently, a hydrogen injecting system that reducesthe corrosion rate of its electrodes is desired.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the various features of the present invention thereis provided a hydroxyl gas generation system for generating a hydroxylgas by way of electrolysis, for limiting the corrosion of electrodesused in the electrolysis, and for making the hydroxyl gas available tobe drawn into the air intake of a combustion engine. The hydroxyl gasgeneration system includes an electrolytic cell and a processor. Theelectrolytic cell includes an electrolysis chamber and an electrodestructure. The electrode structure defines an open circuit and isdisposed within the electrolysis chamber. The electrolysis chambercontains an electrolytic solution such that the electrolytic solutioncompletes the open circuit defined by the electrode structure. Theprocessor is in electrical communication with the electrode structureand a power source. The processor applies a voltage to the electrodestructure such that an electrical current passes through theelectrolytic solution, generating an electrolytic reaction that producesthe hydroxyl gas within the electrolysis chamber. The hydroxyl gas isdrawn from the electrolysis chamber into the air intake of thecombustion engine.

The processor alternates the polarity of the voltage applied to theelectrode structure such that the corrosion of the electrode structurecauses by the electrolytic reaction is substantially uniform. Morespecifically, the electrode structure includes a first electrode and asecond electrode. The first electrode is in electrical communicationwith the second electrode by way of the electrolytic solution.Consequently, when the first electrode is the anode, the secondelectrode is the cathode. Similarly, when the first electrode is thecathode, the second electrode is the anode. When the processoralternates the polarity of the voltage applied to the electrodestructure, the first electrode alternates between being the anode andthe cathode. Accordingly, the second electrode alternates between beingthe cathode and the anode. Because, during an electrolytic reaction, theelectrode that is the anode corrodes at a faster rate than the electrodethat is the cathode, alternating the polarity of the voltage applied tothe electrode structure as discussed limits the corrosion of theelectrode that would otherwise be solely the anode. Additionally, in oneembodiment, the electrodes of the electrode structure are coated withplatinum, a material that is substantially impermeable to theelectrolytic solution, such that the corrosion of the electrodes isfurther limited.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The above-mentioned features of the invention will become more clearlyunderstood from the following detailed description of the invention readtogether with the drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of the hydroxyl gas generation systemsecured to the cab of truck having a combustion engine;

FIG. 2 is pictorial block diagram of one embodiment of the hydroxyl gasgeneration system in accordance with the various features of the presentinvention;

FIG. 3 illustrates the electrode structure of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the electrode structure ofFIG. 3; and

FIG. 5 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the electrolysis cell ofFIG. 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a hydroxyl gas generation system forgenerating a hydroxyl gas by way of electrolysis, for limiting thecorrosion of electrodes used in the electrolysis, and for making thehydroxyl gas available to be drawn into the air intake of a combustionengine. The hydroxyl gas generation system generates an electrolyticreaction by passing an electrical current between the electrodes by wayof an electrolytic solution, the electrolytic reaction generating thehydroxyl gas. To limit the corrosion of the electrodes, the polarity ofthe voltage applied to the electrodes is periodically alternated.Additionally, the electrodes are constructed of or plated with platinum,a material that is substantially impermeable to the electrolyticsolution. One embodiment of the hydroxyl gas generation systemconstructed in accordance with the various features of the presentinvention is illustrated generally at 10 in FIG. 1.

The hydroxyl gas generation system 10 includes a hydroxyl gas generator12 and a water reservoir 14. The hydroxyl gas generator 12 generates ahydroxyl gas, and the water reservoir 14 houses distilled water. Thehydroxyl gas generator 12 is in fluidic communication with the waterreservoir 14 such that the hydroxyl gas generator 12 receives waterhoused by the water reservoir 14 and uses the water in generating asubsequently discussed electrolytic reaction. In the illustratedembodiment, the hydroxyl gas generator 12 and the water reservoir 14 aremounted to the cab of a truck 15 having a combustion engine. Morespecifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the hydroxyl gas generator12 and the water reservoir 14 are mounted to the load locks of the truck15. It should be noted that the hydroxyl gas generator 12 and the waterreservoir 14 can be secured to any vehicle, machine, or other mechanismhaving a combustion engine without departing from the scope or spirit ofthe present invention. It should also be noted that the hydroxyl gasgenerator 12 and the water reservoir 14 need not be mounted to thevehicle, machine, or other mechanism having a combustion engine toremain within the scope and spirit of the present invention. In theillustrated embodiment, the water reservoir 14 is adapted to house aparticular amount of distilled water such that the depletion of thewater housed by the water reservoir 14 coincides with the recommendedtime for an oil change for the truck. More specifically, the rate atwhich the water is used by the hydroxyl gas generator 12 is calculatedsuch that the approximate amount of water used between oil changes isknown. Accordingly, at the time the oil is changed in the truck, thewater reservoir 14 is filled or refilled. Consequently, maintenance ofthe hydroxyl gas generation system 10 is made more convenient. It shouldbe noted that the size of the water reservoir 14 need not be such thatthe depletion of the water housed by the water reservoir 14 coincideswith periodic maintenance requirements of the combustion engine toremain within the scope or spirit of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a pictorial block diagram of one embodiment of the hydroxylgas generator 12 in accordance with the various features of the presentinvention. The hydroxyl gas generator 12 is in fluidic communicationwith the water reservoir 14 and in gaseous communication with acombustion engine 16. The hydroxyl generator 12 includes a processor 18,an electrolytic cell 20, a fluid pump 22, and a bubbler 24. Theprocessor 18 is in electrical communication the fluid pump 22, which isin fluidic communication with the electrolytic cell 20 by way of a firstfluid conduit 26. The processor 18 activates the fluid pump 22 such thatthe fluid pump 22 draws water from the water reservoir 14 by way of asecond fluid conduit 28 and pumps the water into the electrolytic cell20 by way of the first fluid conduit 26. The electrolytic cell 20includes an electrolysis chamber 32, which is hermetically sealed andreceives water from the first fluid conduit 26. In the illustratedembodiment, the electrolytic cell 20 includes an electrolytic cell fluidport 30, which is a fluidic interface between the first fluid conduit 26and the electrolysis chamber 32. Within the electrolysis chamber 32 isan electrolytic substance that mixes with the water received by theelectrolysis chamber 32 to create an electrolytic solution within theelectrolysis chamber 32, the electrolytic solution being moreelectrically conductive than the water. In one embodiment, theelectrolytic solution is an alkali solution. More specifically, in oneembodiment, the electrolytic substance is potassium hydroxide. Theelectrolytic solution partially fills the electrolysis chamber 32. Inthe illustrated embodiment, the electrolytic cell 20 includes a firstelectrolysis chamber 34 and a second electrolysis chamber 36.Additionally, in the illustrated embodiment, the first electrolysischamber 34 and the second electrolysis chamber 36 are fluidicallyconnected by an electrolysis chamber conduit 38 such that theelectrolytic solution level within the first electrolysis chamber 34 iseven with the electrolytic solution level within the second electrolysischamber 36. It should be noted that the electrolytic cell 20 can includea single electrolysis chamber 32 without departing from the scope orspirit of the present invention. It should also be noted that when theelectrolytic cell 20 includes more than one electrolysis chamber 32, theelectrolysis chambers need not be fluidically connected to remain withinthe scope or spirit of the present invention.

An electrode structure 40 is disposed within each electrolysis chamber32. The electrode structure 40 defines an open circuit and is submergedwithin the electrolytic solution such that the electrolytic solutioncompletes the open circuit. The electrode structure 40 is in electricalcommunication with the processor 18, which applies a voltage to theelectrode structure 40. More specifically, the processor 18 is inelectrical communication with a power source 56 and routes the powerprovided by the power source 56 to the electrode structure 40. In oneembodiment, the power source 56 is a twelve-volt power source, such asthe battery of a vehicle. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the processor18 includes a step-down transformer such that the processor 18 applies,for example, seven volts to the electrode structure 40.

FIG. 3 illustrates one embodiment of the electrode structure 40 inaccordance with the various features of the present invention. Theelectrode structure 40 includes a first electrode 46 and a secondelectrode 48. In the illustrated embodiment, the first electrode 46includes a first plurality of electrical contacts 50, and the secondelectrode 48 includes a second plurality of electrical contacts 52. Thefirst plurality of electrical contacts 50 are mutually spaced apart, thesecond plurality of electrical contacts 52 are mutually spaced apart,and the first electrode 46 is positioned with respect to the secondelectrode 48 such that the first plurality of electrical contacts 50overlap with the second plurality of electrical contacts 52, but none ofthe first plurality of electrical contacts 50 physically or electricallycontact any of the second plurality of electrical contacts 52. Stateddifferently, the first electrode 46 and the second electrode 48 definean open circuit. The first electrode 46 and the second electrode 48 aresecured in position by a non-conductive structure 54. Because theelectrode structure 40 is submerged within the electrolytic solutionsuch that the solution completes the open circuit, when the processor 18applies a voltage to the electrode structure 40, an electrical currentpasses between the first electrode 46 and the second electrode 48 suchthat the electrical current passes through the electrolytic solution.The amperage of the electrical current, for a given voltage, is governedby the chemical properties of the solution. For example, when theelectrolytic solution is a mixture of distilled water and potassiumhydroxide having a concentration of 2.8 grams of potassium hydroxide to700 milliliters of water, and when 7 volts is applied to the electrodestructure 40, the electrode structure 40 draws 30 amps of electricalcurrent. The electrical current passing through the electrolyticsolution initiates and maintains an electrolytic reaction, which breaksoxygen molecules and hydrogen molecules from the electrolytic solution.The oxygen and hydrogen separate from the electrolytic solution in theform of the hydroxyl gas, which rises above the electrolytic solution.Accordingly, the generated hydroxyl gas is within the electrolysischamber 32.

FIG. 4 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the electrode structure40. In the alternate embodiment, the first electrode 46 and the secondelectrode 48 are constructed of selected components such as respectivebolts, pluralities of nuts, pluralities of washers, and pluralities ofconductive plates. More specifically, the first electrode 46 includes afirst bolt 100, a first plurality of nuts 102, a first plurality ofwashers 104, and the first plurality of electrical contacts 50, which,in the alternate embodiment, is a plurality of conductive plates. Thefirst bolt 100 extends the length of the first electrode 46 and receivesthe first plurality of nuts 102, the first plurality of washers 104, andthe first plurality of electrical contacts 50 such that the firstplurality of electrical contacts 50 is configured as discussed above.Similarly, the second electrode 48 includes a second bolt 106, a secondplurality of nuts 108, a second plurality of washers 110, and the secondplurality of electrical contacts 52, which, in the alternate embodiment,is a plurality of conductive plates. The second bolt 106 extends thelength of the second electrode 48 and receives the second plurality ofnuts 108, the second plurality of washers 110, and the second pluralityof electrical contacts 52 such that the second plurality of electricalcontacts 52 is configured as discussed above. The first bolt 100 and thesecond bolt 106 are secured to the non-conductive structure 54 such thatconfiguration of the first electrode 46 with respect to the secondelectrode 48 is that discussed above. Fabricating the first electrode 46and the second electrode 48 using separate components, such as shown inFIG. 4, facilitates coating selective components of the electrodestructure 40 with an impermeable material such as platinum.

Considering again FIG. 2, the electrolytic cell 20 includes a firstelectrode structure 42 disposed within the first electrolysis chamber 34and a second electrode structure 44 disposed within the secondelectrolysis chamber 36. It should be noted that the electrolytic cell20 can have a single electrode structure 40 without departing from thescope or spirit of the present invention. In the illustrated embodiment,the first electrode structure 42 and the second electrode structure 44are wired in series with regard to the processor 18. In one embodimentof the illustrated embodiment, the processor 18 applies 7 volts to thefirst electrode structure 42 and the second electrode structure 44 suchthat 3.5 volts are driven into each electrode structure 40. It should benoted that when the electrolytic cell 20 includes more than oneelectrode structure 40, the electrode structures can be wired in a wayother than in series, such as in parallel, without departing from thescope or spirit of the present invention. In accordance with theabove-discussion, when the processor 18 applies a voltage to the firstelectrode structure 42 and the second electrode structure 44, anelectrolytic reaction is generated within the first electrolysis chamber34 and the second electrolysis chamber 36, respectively. Theelectrolytic reaction generates the hydroxyl gas within the firstelectrolysis chamber 34 and the second electrolysis chamber 36.

The electrolytic solution is a caustic solution that corrodes the firstelectrode 46 and the second electrode 48. Additionally, during theelectrolytic reaction, a proportionately excessive amount of oxygenaccumulates at the anode of the electrode structure 40 with respect tothe cathode of the electrode structure 40. The anode can be either thefirst electrode 46 or the second electrode 48, depending on whichelectrode is positively charged and which electrode is negativelycharged. The excessive accumulation of oxygen at the anode causes anoxidation at the anode that causes the anode to corrode at a faster ratethan the cathode. The disproportionate corrosion rates among the firstelectrode 46 and the second electrode 48 limit the potential operationallifespan of the electrode structure 40. More specifically, due to thecorrosion rate of the anode, the electrode structure 40 must be replacedbefore the cathode is corroded beyond operational use. To prevent thedisproportional corrosion rate among the first electrode 42 and thesecond electrode 44, and thus extend the operational lifespan of theelectrode structure 40, the processor 18 alternates the polarity of thevoltage applied to the electrode structure 40. More specifically, attimes, the processor 18 applies voltage to the electrode structure 40such that the first electrode 46 is the anode and the second electrode48 is the cathode. At other times, the processor 18 applies voltage tothe electrode structure 40 such that the first electrode 46 is thecathode and the second electrode 48 is the anode. In one embodiment, theprocessor 18 alternates the polarity of the voltage applied to theelectrode structure 40 periodically. For example, in one embodiment, theprocessor 18 alternates the polarity of the voltage applied to theelectrode structure 40 after every twenty-four hours of use. Alternatingthe polarity of the voltage applied to the electrode structure 40distributes the excessive accumulation of oxygen at the anode betweenthe first electrode 46 and the second electrode 48 such that thecorrosion rate among the first electrode 46 and the second electrode 48is substantially uniform. To further reduce the corrosion rate of thefirst electrode 46 and the second electrode 48, in one embodiment, thefirst electrode 46 and the second electrode 48 are constructed ofplatinum, a substance that is substantially impermeable to the causticelectrolytic solution. Alternatively, in another embodiment, the firstelectrode 46 and the second electrode 48 are plated with platinum.Consequently, when the first electrode 46 and the second electrode 48are constructed of or plated with platinum, corrosion of the firstelectrode 46 and the second electrode 48 is substantially limited.

In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 2, the electrolytic cell 20includes an electrolytic cell float switch 58 in electricalcommunication with the processor 18. The electrolytic cell float switch58 defines a solution level threshold, which indicates the amount ofelectrolytic solution within the electrolysis chamber 32. When theamount of electrolytic solution within the electrolysis chamber 32 isgreater than the solution level threshold, the electrode structure 40 issubmerged within the electrolytic solution to the extent theelectrolytic cell 20 operates in accordance with the above-discussion.When the amount of electrolytic solution within the electrolysis chamber32 decreases to a level below the solution level threshold, theelectrolytic float switch 58 generates a low solution level signal,which is received by the processor 18. When the processor 18 receivesthe low solution level signal, the processor 18 causes the fluid pump 22to draw water from the water reservoir 14 and pump water into theelectrolysis chamber 32. When the processor 18 ceases to receive to thelow solution level signal, the processor 18 causes the fluid pump 22 tostop drawing water from the water reservoir 14 and stop pumping waterinto the electrolysis chamber 32. Stated differently, the processor 18causes the fluid pump 22 to draw water from the water reservoir 14 andpump the water into the electrolysis chamber 32 until the level ofsolution within the electrolysis chamber 32 is greater than the solutionlevel threshold. Consequently, the electrolytic cell float switch 58maintains the amount of electrolytic solution within the electrolysischamber 32 such that the electrolytic cell 20 operates in accordancewith the above-discussion. It should be noted that when the amount ofelectrolytic solution within the electrolytic chamber 32 decreases dueto electrolysis, it is the amount of water, not the amount of theelectrolytic substance mixed with the water (e.g. the potassiumhydroxide), that decreases. Consequently, to maintain the proper amountof electrolytic solution within the electrolysis chamber 32, additionalamounts of the electrolytic substance is not added to the electrolysischamber 32, only additional amounts of water.

The electrolytic cell 20 includes an electrolytic cell gas port 60,which is a gaseous interface between the electrolysis chamber 32 and afirst gas conduit 62. The hydroxyl gas generated by the electrolyticcell 20 is drawn from the electrolysis chamber 32 and into the first gasconduit 62. The bubbler 24 includes a hermetically sealed bubblerchamber 64 and a bubbler input 66. The first gas conduit 62 isinterfaced with the bubbler chamber 64 by way of the bubbler input 66such that the hydroxyl gas drawn from the electrolysis chamber 32 isdrawn into the bubbler chamber 64. More specifically, the bubblerchamber 64 is partially filled with water. An end 68 of the bubblerinput 66 is positioned beneath the surface of the water such that thehydroxyl gas drawn into the bubbler chamber 64 bubbles through thewater. When the hydroxyl gas bubbles through the water, the waterremoves any electrolytic solution from the hydroxyl gas that may bemixed with the gas. Additionally, the water within the bubbler chamber64 cools the hydroxyl gas before it is drawn from the hydroxyl gasgeneration system 10.

The bubbler 24 includes a bubbler gas port 70, which interfaces thebubbler chamber 64 with a second gas conduit 72. The second gas conduit72 is in gaseous communication with the air intake of the combustionengine 16 such that the hydroxyl gas drawn from the bubbler chamber 64is drawn into the air intake of the combustion engine 16. Because thehydroxyl gas is drawn into the air intake of the combustion engine, theengine runs cleaner and more efficiently in accordance with theabove-discussion.

In the illustrated embodiment, the bubbler 24 includes a bubbler floatswitch 74, a bubbler gas port valve 76, a water release valve 78, and anair intake valve 80. The bubbler float switch 74, the bubbler gas portvalve 76, and the water release valve 78 are in electrical communicationwith the processor 18. The bubbler float switch 74 defines a water levelthreshold, which indicates the amount of water within the bubblerchamber 64. When the water level within the bubbler chamber 64 issufficiently low such that the water does not reach the bubbler gas port70, the water is below the water level threshold. When the water levelwithin the bubbler chamber 64 increases, due to the above-discussedbubbling, to the extent that the water level within the bubbler chamber64 is greater than the water level threshold, the bubbler float switch74 generates a high water level signal, which is received by theprocessor 18. When the processor 18 receives the high water levelsignal, the processor 18 causes the bubbler gas port valve 76, which isotherwise open, to close and the water release valve 78, which isotherwise closed, to open. When the processor 18 closes the bubbler gasport valve 76 and opens the water release valve 78, water within thebubbler chamber 64 is prevented from passing through the bubbler gasport 70, passes through the water release valve 78, and is carried awayfrom the bubbler 24 by way of a second fluid conduit 82, which is influidic communication with the water release valve 78. When water isreleased from the bubbler chamber 64 by way of the water release valve78, a vacuum greater than that generated by the combustion engine 16drawing hydroxyl gas is generated within the bubbler chamber 64. The airintake valve 80 is a pressure valve that opens in response to the vacuumgenerated by the release of water from within the bubbler chamber 64such that the vacuum is relieved. In one embodiment, the air intakevalve 80 is a 12-pound valve, and the vacuum generated by the combustionengine 16 drawing hydroxyl gas has a magnitude of 3 pounds. When theprocessor 18 ceases to receive to the high water level signal, theprocessor 18 causes the bubbler gas port valve 76 to open and the waterrelease valve 78 to close. Stated differently, the processor 18 causesthe bubbler gas port valve 76 to prevent water from passing through thebubbler gas port 70 and the water release valve 78 to release water fromthe bubbler chamber 64 until the water level within the bubbler chamber64 drops below the water level threshold. Consequently, the bubblerfloat switch 74 maintains the water level within the bubbler chamber 64such that the water does not reach the bubbler gas port 70 and,consequently, does not reach the air intake of the combustion engine 16.

In the illustrated embodiment, the hydroxyl gas generation system 10includes a check valve 84 at the second gas conduit 72 where the secondgas conduit 72 interfaces with the air intake of the combustion engine16. The check valve 84 is a pressure valve that is open when thehydroxyl gas is being drawn from the bubbler 24 and into the combustionengine 16. Otherwise, the check valve 84 is closed. Consequently, thecheck valve 84 prevents contaminants from the combustion engine 16 fromentering the hydroxyl gas generation system 10 when, for example, theair filter of the combustion engine become severely clogged.Additionally, in the event the hydroxyl gas becomes ignited by thecombustion engine 16, the check valve 84 prevents the ignited gas fromentering the hydroxyl gas generation system 10. Similarly, the bubbler24 includes a bubbler check valve 86 at the bubbler input 66. Thebubbler check valve 86 is a pressure valve that is open when thehydroxyl gas is being drawn into the bubbler 24 and is otherwise closed.Consequently, the bubbler check valve 86 prevents the water within thebubbler chamber 64 from being drawn into the electrolytic cell 20.Additionally, in the event the hydroxyl gas within the bubbler chamber64 becomes ignited, the bubbler check valve 86, as well as the waterwithin the bubbler chamber 64, prevent the ignited gas from entering theelectrolytic cell 20 by way of the first gas conduit 62.

In the illustrated embodiment, the hydroxyl gas generation system 10includes a master switch 88 in electrical communication with theprocessor 18 and the ignition switch of the combustion engine 16. Whenthe combustion engine 16 is operating, the master switch 88 generates anactivation signal, which is received by the processor 18. When thecombustion engine 16 is not operating, the master switch 88 generates adeactivation signal, which is received by the processor 18. When theprocessor 18 receives the activation signal, it activates the hydroxylgas generation system 10, and when the processor 18 receives thedeactivation signal, it deactivates the hydroxyl gas generation system10. As a result, the hydroxyl gas generation system 10 only operateswhen the combustion engine 16 operates. Additionally, when the processor18 detects that the voltage provided by the power source 56 drops belowa low voltage threshold, such as 10 volts, the processor 18 deactivatesthe hydroxyl gas generation system 10. Similarly, when the voltageprovided by the power source 56 rises above a high voltage threshold,such as due to the alternator, the processor 18 deactivates the hydroxylgas generation system 10. Additionally, in one embodiment, the processor18 includes an onboard thermostat. When the temperature of the processor18 rises above a high temperature threshold, the processor 18deactivates the hydroxyl gas generation system 10.

In the illustrated embodiment, the hydroxyl gas generation system 10includes a first fan 90 and a second fan 92 in electrical communicationwith the power source 56. The first fan 90 and the second fan 92circulate air through the hydroxyl gas generator 12 such that thehydroxyl gas generator 12 does not overheat.

In the illustrated embodiment, the hydroxyl gas generation system 10includes a water heater 94 for heating the water housed by the waterreservoir 14. More specifically, the water heater 94 includes athermostat for measuring the temperature of the water within the waterreservoir 14 such that the water heater 94 heats the water to the extentthat the water within the water reservoir 14 does not freeze.Additionally, in one embodiment, electrical heat tape is secured to thesecond fluid conduit 28. The heat tape heats the second fluid conduit 28to the extent that the water within the second fluid conduit 28 does notfreeze.

FIG. 5 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the electrolytic cell 20in accordance with the various features of the present invention. In thealternate embodiment, the electrolytic cell 20 includes a first member96 and a second member 98. The first member 96 includes the electrolyticcell fluid port 30, the electrolytic cell gas port 60, and theelectrolytic cell float switch 58. The second member 98 includes theelectrode structure 40. Additionally, the first member 96 includes afemale threaded portion, and the second member 98 includes a malethreaded portion, whereby the female threaded portion and the malethreaded portion cooperate such that the first member 96 is releasablysecured to the second member 98. When the first member 96 is secured tothe second member 98, the first member 96 and the second member 98define the electrolysis chamber 32. As a result, the electrolysis cell20 of the alternate embodiment permits the electrode structure 40 to bereplaced without disconnecting the electrolytic cell fluid port 30 fromthe first fluid conduit 26 or disconnecting the electrolytic cell gasport 60 from the first gas conduit 62 or disconnect the electrolyticcell float switch 58 from the processor 18. More specifically, to removethe electrode structure 40, the electrode structure 40 is disconnectedfrom the processor 18 and the second member 98 is removed from the firstmember 96. A replacement second member 98, which includes thereplacement electrode structure 40, is then secured to the first member96.

From the foregoing description, those skilled in the art will recognizethat a hydroxyl gas generation system for generating a hydroxyl gas byway of electrolysis and for making the hydroxyl gas available to bedrawn into the air intake of a combustion engine offering advantagesover the prior art has been provided. The hydroxyl gas generation systemgenerates an electrolytic reaction by passing an electrical currentbetween the electrodes by way of an electrolytic solution, theelectrolytic reaction generating the hydroxyl gas. To limit thecorrosion of the electrodes, the polarity of the voltage applied to theelectrodes is periodically alternated. Additionally, the electrodes areconstructed of or plated with platinum, a material that is substantiallyimpermeable to the electrolytic solution.

While the present invention has been illustrated by description ofseveral embodiments and while the illustrative embodiments have beendescribed in considerable detail, it is not the intention of theapplicant to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appendedclaims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications willreadily appear to those skilled in the art. The invention in its broaderaspects is therefore not limited to the specific details, representativeapparatus and methods, and illustrative examples shown and described.Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departingfrom the spirit or scope of applicant's general inventive concept.

1. A hydroxyl gas generation system for enhancing the performance of acombustion engine, said hydroxyl gas generation system comprising: anelectrolytic cell having an electrolysis chamber and an electrodestructure disposed within the electrolysis chamber, the electrolysischamber being adapted to contain an electrolytic solution, the electrodestructure defining an open circuit, the electrolytic solution completingthe open circuit defined by the electrode structure when theelectrolysis chamber contains the electrolytic solution; and a processorin electrical communication with the electrode structure, said processorapplies a voltage to the electrode structure such that the electrodestructure generates an electrolytic reaction when the electrolysischamber contains the electrolytic solution, the electrolytic reactionproducing a hydroxyl gas within the electrolysis chamber, said processoralternates the polarity of the voltage applied to the electrodestructure such that corrosion of the electrode structure issubstantially uniform, said electrolytic cell being in gaseouscommunication with the combustion engine such that the hydroxyl gas isdrawn from the electrolysis chamber and to the combustion engine.
 2. Thehydroxyl gas generation system of claim 1 wherein the electrodestructure includes a first electrode and a second electrode, the firstelectrode and the second electrode defining the open circuit.
 3. Thehydroxyl gas generation system of claim 2 wherein said processor appliesa voltage to the first electrode and the second electrode, saidprocessor alternates the polarity of the voltage applied to the firstelectrode and the second electrode such that the first electrode and thesecond electrode corrode at a substantially uniform rate.
 4. Thehydroxyl gas generation system of claim 2 wherein the first electrodeand the second electrode are at least partially constructed of platinum.5. The hydroxyl gas generation system of claim 1 further comprising abubbler in gaseous communication with the electrolytic cell, saidbubbler having a bubbler chamber adapted to contain water, the bubblerchamber receives the hydroxyl gas from said electrolytic cell, saidbubbler bubbles the hydroxyl gas through the water when the bubblerchamber contains the water, bubbling the hydroxyl gas through the waterremoves any electrolytic solution from the hydroxyl gas, the hydroxylgas is drawn from the bubbler chamber and to the combustion engine. 6.The hydroxyl gas generation system of claim 1 wherein said electrolyticcell includes an electrolytic cell float switch in electricalcommunication with said processor, the electrolytic cell float switchgenerates a low solution level signal when the amount of solution withinthe electrolysis chamber drops below a threshold defined by theelectrolytic cell float switch, said processor receives the low solutionlevel signal.
 7. The hydroxyl gas generation system of claim 6 furthercomprising a water reservoir and a fluid pump, said water reservoirbeing adapted to house water and being in fluidic communication withsaid fluid pump, said fluid pump being in fluidic communication withsaid electrolytic cell and in electrical communication with saidprocessor, said processor causes said fluid pump to draw water from saidwater reservoir and pump water into the electrolysis chamber of saidelectrolytic cell when said processor receives the low solution levelsignal.
 8. The hydroxyl gas generation system of claim 7 wherein saidwater reservoir is adapted to house a calculated amount of water, thecalculated amount of water being such that the depletion of the waterhoused by said water reservoir coincides with periodic maintenancerequirements of the combustion engine.
 9. The hydroxyl gas generationsystem of claim 1 wherein said processor is in electrical communicationwith a power source.
 10. The hydroxyl gas generation system of claim 1wherein said electrolysis cell includes a first member and a secondmember, the second member being adapted to be releasably secured to thefirst member such that the first member and the second member define theelectrolysis chamber when secured, the electrode structure beingdisposed at the second member.
 11. The hydroxyl gas generation system ofclaim 10 wherein the first member and the second member have respectivecooperating threaded members such that the second member is adapted tobe releasably secured to the first member.
 12. A hydroxyl gas generationsystem for enhancing the performance of a combustion engine, saidhydroxyl gas generation system comprising: an electrolysis chamberadapted to contain an electrolytic solution, said electrolysis chamberhaving a gas port; an electrode structure disposed within saidelectrolysis chamber, said electrode structure having a first electrodeand a second electrode, the first electrode and the second electrodedefining an open circuit, the electrolytic solution completing the opencircuit defined by said electrode structure when said electrolysischamber contains the electrolytic solution; and a processor inelectrical communication with said electrode structure and a powersource, said processor applying a voltage to said electrode structuresuch that an electrical current passes between the first electrode andthe second electrode by way of the electrolytic solution, the electricalcurrent passing through the electrolytic solution generates anelectrolytic reaction that generates a hydroxyl gas within theelectrolysis chamber, said processor alternating the polarity of thevoltage applied to the electrode structure such that the first electrodealternates between being the anode and the cathode and such that thesecond electrode correspondingly alternates between being the anode andthe cathode, the combustion engine draws the hydroxyl gas from theelectrolysis chamber by way of the gas port.
 13. The hydroxyl gasgeneration system of claim 12 whereby the first electrode and the secondelectrode are at least partially constructed of platinum.
 14. Thehydroxyl gas generation system of claim 13 whereby the first electrodeand the second electrode are platinum plated.
 15. The hydroxyl gasgeneration system of claim 12 further comprising a bubbler in gaseouscommunication with said electrolysis chamber, said bubbler receives thehydroxyl gas from said electrolysis chamber and bubbles the hydroxyl gasthrough water contained by said bubbler, the bubbled hydroxyl gas isdrawn from said bubbler to the combustion engine.
 16. The hydroxyl gasgeneration system of claim 12 further comprising a water reservoir and afluid pump, said water reservoir being adapted to house water and beingin fluidic communication with said fluid pump, said fluid pump being influidic communication with said electrolysis chamber and in electricalcommunication with said processor, said processor detecting when theelectrolytic solution within said electrolysis chamber drops below a lowsolution threshold, said processor activating said fluid pump such thatsaid fluid pump draws water from said water reservoir and pumps thewater into the electrolysis chamber until the electrolytic solutionwithin the electrolysis chamber satisfies the low solution thresholdwhen said processor determines that the electrolytic solution withinsaid electrolysis chamber drops below a solution threshold.
 17. Thehydroxyl gas generation system of claim 12 further comprising a masterswitch in electrical communication with said processor and thecombustion engine, said processor activating said hydroxyl gasgeneration system when the combustion engine is activated, saidprocessor deactivating said hydroxyl gas generation system when thecombustion engine is deactivated.
 18. A hydroxyl gas generation systemfor enhancing the performance of a combustion engine, said hydroxyl gasgeneration system comprising: an electrolytic cell having anelectrolysis chamber and an electrode structure disposed within theelectrolysis chamber, the electrode structure defining an open circuit,the electrolysis chamber containing an electrolytic solution such thatthe electrolytic solution completes the open circuit, said electrolyticcell having a float switch defining a low solution threshold, the lowsolution threshold indicating the amount of electrolytic solution withinthe electrolysis chamber; a processor in electrical communication withthe electrode structure, the float switch, and a power source, saidprocessor applying a voltage to the electrode structure such that anelectrical current passes through the electrolytic solution, anelectrolytic reaction occurring when the electrical current passesthrough the electrolytic solution such that a hydroxyl gas is producedwithin the electrolysis chamber, said processor alternating the polarityof the voltage applied to the electrode structure such that thecorrosion rate of the electrode structure is substantially uniform; awater reservoir adapted to house water; a fluid pump in fluidiccommunication with said water reservoir and in electrical communicationwith said processor, said processor activates said fluid pump when thefloat switch indicates that the electrolytic solution within theelectrolysis chamber is below the low solution threshold, the fluid pumpdraws water from the water reservoir and pumps the water to theelectrolysis chamber when said fluid pump is activated; a bubbler ingaseous communication with said electrolytic cell, said bubbler drawsthe hydroxyl gas from the electrolysis chamber and bubbles the hydroxylgas through water such that the hydroxyl gas is purified of anyelectrolytic solution, the combustion engine draws the purified hydroxylgas from said bubbler to the air intake of the combustion engine. 19.The hydroxyl gas generation system of claim 18 wherein the electrodestructure includes a first electrode and a second electrode, saidprocessor applying the voltage to the electrode structure such that theelectrical current passes between the first electrode and the secondelectrode by way of the electrolytic solution, said processoralternating the polarity of the voltage applied to the electrodestructure such that the first electrode alternates between being theanode and the cathode and such that the second electrode correspondinglyalternates between being the cathode and the anode.